Capturing Majestic Moments: Photography Tips for Gorilla Trekking
The most memorable wildlife experience is gorilla trekking. It is an amazing and adventurous experience to come face to face with gorillas in the misty forests of Uganda, Rwanda or Congo. As the experience is awe-inspiring you will desire to capture those magical moments during your Kenya photographic safaris with us at Safari Seekers. However, it is not easy to capture those gentle giants in their natural habitat. We have detailed a few tips that will help you capture those immaculate moments during photographic safaris in Kenya. Our tips will help you to capture those moments without disturbing the gorillas.
Understand the Environment
The initial thing that you need to do during Wilderness Safaris in Rwanda is to understand the environment. The places where the gorillas stay are dense, tropical forests and have low to heavy vegetation. There will be a mix of shadows and light and there will be sudden movements. It is wise to adjust your expectations based on these scenarios. It will be great if you can be quick, stay quiet, and be ready for work with elements like mist and rain.
Choose the Right Gear
Don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards—the forest can be a power-draining environment, and opportunities can arise at any moment.
Master Your Camera Settings
Because you’ll likely be dealing with low light and fast movement, set your camera to a higher ISO—800 to 1600 or more, depending on conditions. Use a wide aperture (f/2.8–f/5.6) to allow more light in and create a beautiful depth of field. A shutter speed of at least 1/250s is recommended to freeze motion, especially if the gorillas are active.
Shoot in RAW format if possible to give yourself greater flexibility in post-processing.
Respect the Gorillas and the Guidelines
Gorilla trekking permits often come with strict rules: keep a 7-metre distance, avoid flash photography, and follow your guide’s instructions at all times. These rules are designed to protect both you and the gorillas. Be prepared to photograph from wherever you are asked to stop—you may not get the perfect angle, but you will still capture authentic moments.
Focus on Emotion and Detail
Look beyond just snapping the gorillas. Focus on their expressions, the way they interact, and the textures of their fur. Capture close-ups of hands gripping vines or young gorillas playing—these storytelling shots often make the most impact.
Stay Present
While it’s tempting to photograph every second, take time to simply be present. Put the camera down for a few minutes and soak it all in. These are moments you’ll carry in your heart as much as in your camera roll.
Gorilla trekking with us is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. With the right approach and sensitivity, your photos can reflect the wonder of the experience while preserving its integrity.
